By Asabe Elisha
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has launched a sensitisation programme on the implementation of the Proof of Address (POA) initiative for Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a move aimed at strengthening identity verification and improving service delivery.
The sensitisation programme, held at the FCDA Conference Hall in Abuja, brought together representatives of various FCT secretariats and agencies, officials of ALGON, members of the Proof of Address Technical Team, and other critical stakeholders involved in the implementation process.
Speaking during the event, keynote speaker Segun Obayendo described the Local Government Proof of Address System as a landmark initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He explained that the project seeks to establish a reliable, verifiable and standardised addressing framework that will enhance governance, security, planning and access to essential services at the grassroots level.
According to Obayendo, the initiative is expected to address long-standing challenges associated with inadequate address verification across the country, while providing citizens with a credible means of confirming their place of residence for both public and private sector transactions.
He disclosed that the issuance of the Proof of Address certificates will officially commence in the Federal Capital Territory on July 1, 2026, following approval by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Obayendo further revealed that the FCT Administration would soon issue a circular directing all Secretariats, Departments and Agencies to adopt the Proof of Address system as an official requirement in their operations, with immediate implementation expected once the directive takes effect.
He noted that the initiative is designed not only to improve administrative efficiency but also to support national security efforts, facilitate economic planning, and enhance the accuracy of government records.
Stakeholders at the event commended ALGON for championing the project, describing it as a critical step towards building a unified and credible national addressing system capable of supporting modern governance and digital transformation.
The Proof of Address initiative is expected to be rolled out across all 774 local government areas of the federation, creating a uniform address verification framework that will strengthen identity management, improve access to public services, and promote national development.